Statement delivered by African Union Chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the High-Level Event on Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and beyond, 28 May 2020. I wish to thank the organisers for convening this critical and timely event. The Coronavirus pandemic will have far-reaching impacts on human health, livelihoods, security, economic development and social stability.

Minister Pandor to lead webinar on the impact of COVID-19 on the African continent

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will lead a webinar on the impact of COVID-19 on the African continent. The webinar is planned for Thursday, 28 May 2020, from 09h00-10h00.

Statement on the Virtual Cabinet Meeting held on Wednesday, 27 May 2020. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Africa - Cabinet was briefed on the outcome of consultations undertaken by President Cyril Ramaphosa with various civil-society organisations, to ensure that the country’s progression from Level 4 to Level 3 of the national lockdown has the support and inputs of all social partners.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, 27 May 2020. It has been an honour to have H.E. Ms Kaljulaid, the President of the Republic of Estonia, address the Council today.

Remarks by Chairperson of the African Union, President Cyril Ramaphosa, on the occasion of Africa Day, 25 May 2020. On this day 57 years ago, the Organisation of African Unity was born. From the beginning it was dedicated to the idea that only through unity could Africa safeguard its independence and unlock its potential.

Speaking Notes by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on Repatriations of South Africans stranded abroad, 21 May 2020. Following the declaration of the State of Disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which saw South Africa implementing the national lockdown on 26 March 2020, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has facilitated the repatriation of 5 239 South Africans stranded abroad (by air).

Minister Pandor to virtually brief Media on Repatriation of stranded South Africans abroad - Thursday, 21 May 2020, 08h45 for 09h00 - 10h00

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will, tomorrow, Thursday, 21 May 2020, at 09h00 – 10h00, brief media on Repatriation of stranded South Africans abroad via Microsoft Teams.

Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa: Africa Dialogue Series 2020: COVID-19 and Silencing the Guns in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities: 20 May 2020. I thank you for the honour of being invited to address this important Africa Dialogue Series on the theme, COVID-19 AND SILENCING THE GUNS IN AFRICA: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES, in our capacity as Chairperson of the African Union.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on Venezuela, 20 May 2020. We thank you for convening this meeting and thank Under-Secretary-General, Rosemary DiCarlo, for her informative briefing.

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, 20 May 2020. Let me begin by thanking Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing here today.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the situation in Libya, 19 May 2020. Allow me to thank Acting Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission (UNSMIL) in Libya, Ms Stephanie Williams, for her detailed briefing on the latest political, security and economic developments in Libya for the period under review.

Remarks by the President of the Republic of South Africa and African Union Chair, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, during the 73rd Session of the World Health Assembly, 18 May 2020. It is my privilege to address the World Health Assembly. We are in the midst of the most serious public health emergency our world has experienced in over a hundred years.

Statement by the South African Mission to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Open Video Teleconference on the Political situation in Syria, 18 May 2020. Let me begin by thanking Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his briefing on the political situation in Syria.

Annexation is a threat to Palestine’s existence. The South African Government expresses its deep concern and strongly condemns the planned execution of Israel’s provocative plan to annex the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Video Teleconference Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 14 May 2020. We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ramesh Rajasingham, for their briefings.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Video Teleconference Security Council Meeting on Iraq, 12 May 2020. We thank the Special Representative and Head of UNAMI, Ms for her insightful briefing.

South African Government hasn’t pulled the plug on Qatar to repatriate South Africans. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has noted with disappointment a press statement alleging that the South African Government has pulled the plug on Qatar Airlines to repatriate South Africans.

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Open Video Teleconference Meeting on Bosnia & Herzegovina, 6 May 2020. We would like to thank the High-Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Valentin Inzko, for the latest report of his Office on the political, security and humanitarian situation in the country.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the International Criminal Court and the Situation in Libya, 05 May 2020. South Africa expresses its appreciation to the Prosecutor, Ms Fatou Bensouda, for her briefing provided today on the situation in Libya.

Repatriations of South Africans stranded abroad. Since the announcement of the State of Disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which saw South Africa implementing a lockdown on 26 March 2020, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has facilitated the repatriation of over 3000 South Africans stranded abroad (by air).

Communiqué of the Teleconference Meeting of the Bureau of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State and Government with Chairpersons of the Regional Economic Communities of the AU, 29 April 2020. His Excellency, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, of the Republic of South Africa, and Chairperson of the African Union (AU) convened a teleconference Meeting of the Bureau of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government with the Chairpersons of the AU Regional Economic Communities (RECs) on 29 April 2020.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Political Situation in Syria, 29 April 2020. I would like to also thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his comprehensive briefing on the political situation in Syria.

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria, 29 April 2020. Thank you also Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for his comprehensive briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on Venezuela, 28 April 2020. Thank you for convening this video-teleconference (VTC) meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Venezuela.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Stabilisation Force in Abyei (UNISFA), 28 April 2020. I would like to express my delegation’s gratitude to you for convening today’s meeting.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UNSC Video Teleconference Open Meeting entitled: “Towards the 5th Anniversary of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda: Accelerating Implementation of Resolution 2250 and 2419”, 27 April 2020. At the outset, I would like to thank the United Nations Secretary-General, HE Antonio Gueterres, and our excellent trio of youth activists and briefers for their comprehensive and enlightening briefing this morning.

Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the arrival of Cuban Medical Brigade at Waterkloof Air Force Base, 26 April 2020. I wish to convey our deep gratitude and sincere appreciation for Cuba's solidarity and prompt response to our request to send a multi-disciplinary team of experts and health professionals to work alongside the South African health professionals in our response to COVID-19.

A3+1 Statement delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Transition of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), 24 April 2020. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+1 member states of the Council namely Niger, Tunisia, South Africa and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on South Africa’s response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 23 April 2020. It has been exactly seven weeks since the first case of the Coronavirus was confirmed in our country. Since then, all our lives have changed in fundamental ways. As a nation we have been forced to take aggressive action against an invisible enemy that threatened our lives and the lives of our loved ones.

President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the nation. President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation this evening, Thursday 23 April 2020, at 20h30 on measures the country continues to undertake to contain the spread of the Coronavirus.

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, Thursday, 23 April 2020. Allow me to begin by reiterating South Africa’s position on the situation between Palestine and Israel.

President Ramaphosa to engage African business leaders. In line with decision of the Extended African Union Bureau Meeting held on the 3rd April 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 22 April 2020, chair a virtual meeting of business leaders on the continent to discuss the continental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response to this challenge.

Statement on the Special Cabinet Meeting of 20 April 2020. A virtual Special Cabinet Meeting was held on Monday, 20 April 2020, to among other things, deliberate on the consolidated report on the socio-economic recovery plan post the COVID-19 National Lockdown.

DIRCO assures stranded South Africans of its commitment to assist them to return back home. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) continues to facilitate the repatriation of South Africans stranded in various cities across the world.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Video Teleconference Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 16 April 2020. We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and OCHA Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock, for their briefings.

Statement on the Special Cabinet Meeting of 15 April 2020. A virtual Special Cabinet Meeting was held today, 15 April 2020, to discuss the socio-economic recovery plan post the COVID-19 National Lockdown.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Consultations regarding Syria-Chemical Weapons, 15 April 2020. Let me begin by thanking the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ms Izumi Nakamitsu, for a detailed and factual briefing.

South Africa reiterates its position on the recognised Right to Self-Determination of the People of Western Sahara. An article that was published online in ‘mapnews.ma’, which translated into English is the ‘Moroccan Press Agency’, has put out a misleading report on South Africa’s and indeed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) recent debate on the occupied territory in the Western Sahara.

African Union Chair, President Cyril Ramaphosa, appoints Special Envoys to mobilise international economic support for continental fight against COVID-19. The Chairperson of the African Union, President of the Republic of South Africa His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, has appointed Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Donald Kaberuka, Mr Tidjane Thiam and Mr Trevor Manuel as Special Envoys of the African Union to mobilise international support for Africa’s efforts to address the economic challenges African countries will face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Africa concerned about the allegations of discrimination and stigmatisation of Africans in China. As Chair of the African Union, South Africa is deeply concerned about reports of alleged ill-treatment of African nationals in China, including the forceful testing, quarantining for COVID-19, and other inhuman treatment.

Communiqué of the Bureau of the African Union Executive Council Teleconference Meeting held on Thursday, 9 April 2020. Dr Naledi Pandor, the Chairperson of the African Union Executive Council and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa convened a Teleconference Meeting of the Bureau of the AU Executive Council on 9 April 2020.

Message by President Cyril Ramaphosa on COVID-19 Pandemic, Thursday, 9 April 2020. At midnight tonight, it will be exactly two weeks since our country entered into an unprecedented nation-wide lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus. During the course of these last two weeks, your lives have been severely disrupted, you have suffered great hardship and endured much uncertainty.

President to address the nation. President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, 9 April 2020 address the nation on the continuing efforts to contain the spread of the Coronavirus. The President’s address follows a meeting of the National Coronavirus Command Council held yesterday, 8 April 2020 and consultations that the President would have held during the course of the day with various social partners during the course of the day.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on COVID-19, 9 April 2020. I thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and informative briefing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the issues that fall under the mandate of the Council.

Speaking Notes for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, at the Press Briefing on South Africa’s Response to COVID-19 pandemic – 31 March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and is giving rise to problems and challenges that governments across the world are struggling to deal with. Over the last two months the world has changed dramatically and this impacts on governance challenges.

Media Briefing to update Government’s Lockdown Intervention Measures on COVID-19

Ministers representing the COVID -19 National Command Council will update the nation on the status of the COVID 19 lockdown in South Africa.

Message by President Cyril Ramaphosa on COVID-19 pandemic, 30 March 2020. It is now four days since our country went into a nation-wide lockdown for the first time in the history of our democracy. This is an extreme measure we had to embark upon in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Media Briefing to further unpack Government’s Intervention Measures on COVID-19

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation providing updates about COVID-19 in South Africa, members of the national command council will brief the media on the details of government interventions in various sectors in response to the president’s address.